Title Chase Now Wide Open, Says Mcclaren

Steve McClaren, whose Middlesbrough side tackle Blackburn at Ewood Park today, is happy with the way his players have rallied in their last 10 games.

Boro's revival faces a stern test against Graeme Souness's Barclaycard Premiership new boys, who have made a promising start to the season.

But Boro have only two defeats in their last 10 Premiership matches and McClaren is upbeat about their prospects.

"I've been pleased with the last 10 games after recovering from a shaky start to the season," said McClaren.

"The attitude of the players has been excellent and if we're solid at the back and creative up front the results will follow.

"It is a tough game at Blackburn but we will approach it with growing confidence." McClaren is quick to pay tribute to the progress of Blackburn following promotion last season.

"Blackburn have adapted quickly to the Premier League and have had some great results. They deserve to be where they are in the division.

"There is a long way to go though. The League is wide open. Anyone can beat anyone this season.

"No one is dominating the league and that makes it very exciting for the fans."

Boro's defence has looked solid in recent games but they are struggling to score goals and drew a blank against Aston Villa and Ipswich.

McClaren admits Boro have missed skipper Paul Ince since his three-match suspension but other players have worked hard to cover his absence. Colombian inter-national Hamilton Ricard has been recalled to Boro's squad for the Blackburn clash.

Ricard has slipped down the pecking order at the Riverside Stadium this season but could be among the substitutes today.

McClaren added: "Ricard must make sure he is ready to make his mark if he gets the opportunity.

"Everything changes quickly in football. You can be down one minute and up the next.

"Ricard has a tremendous scoring record and he definitely still figures in my future plans." Middlesbrough could be unchanged if full-back Robbie Stockdale recovers from a slight ankle injury sustained in training.

The former Middlesbrough junior has shown impressive form since winning a first team spot this season.

McClaren said: "Robbie has been fantastic from day one.

"He has taken the bull by the horns and worked his socks off to prove he can do it in the Premier League. He has got better in each game and I think there is a lot more to come from him." * BERWICK Rangers boss Paul Smith plans to rely on the same squad of players who were on duty against Morton at Cappielow for the Border Derby against Queen of the South at Palmerston.

Berwick, who now moved off the bottom of the Second Division, are unbeaten in their last four outings but Smith knows his side are facing another tough match against Queens who are the fringe of the promotion race.